From Summer Vacation to Structured School

Transitioning Children Back into School Mode

Aug 20, 2009 Deanna Lynn Sletten

Making the change from summer vacation back to a structured school environment can be difficult for some children, but there are ways to help a child transition easier.

For most children, returning to school after summer can be either exciting or scary, or both. Seeing old friends and resuming the routine of school can be comforting to some, while beginning in a new class with a new teacher can make some children a bit nervous. And if a child is transitioning to middle school or high school, he may be facing all sorts of concerns and fears. By helping children prepare for the new school year, parents will be able to calm most of their anxiety or fear.

Attend Orientation or Make a Pre-visit to the School

Most schools have an orientation day where both parents and children can meet the new teacher or teachers and take a tour of the school. Even if a child is attending the same school this year it is important that both child and parent attend orientation to meet the teacher. By seeing the children who will be in his class and meeting the teacher, the child will feel more comfortable the day school actually begins.

If a child is starting a new school or moving up to middle school then orientation is even more important to attend. Learning the school’s layout and finding lockers and classrooms will dispel a lot of fear in the child. This is also important for new high school students. Just because teens are older doesn’t mean they aren’t anxious about a new school. Parents should visit the high school with their teen so the teen will feel more comfortable about the first day of school.

If the school doesn’t offer an orientation day then try to make a visit with the teen or child prior to school starting.

Start Preparing Children for School a Few Weeks Ahead of Time

Going from free-for-all summer days to a schedule again can be difficult so it is important to begin transitioning children back to a sleep schedule before school starts. This will help the child from being overly tired and cranky by the time school begins. Other ways to prepare for school are:

• Buy supplies ahead of time. Most schools send out supply lists or have them in local stores so parents can stock up before school begins. Make sure the child has an appropriate backpack or book bag and all the supplies he needs for the first day of class. Let the child fill his backpack with the supplies ahead of time so he is ready to go on the first day.
• Schedule daily times on a calendar. Make up a calendar showing the time each family member comes and goes to school, work and activities. Mark holidays and school days off too. This will help parents in scheduling who will be picking up or dropping off the kids to and from school and activities. It will also help children feel less anxious about the fear of being left behind.
• Make up a family schedule for bathroom times and bedtimes. Schedule times when each family member needs to be up in the morning and when they will be showering or bathing so there is no confusion in the morning. For younger children, begin bedtimes before summer ends so they will be used to their schedule when school starts.
• Schedule homework and computer time. Set aside time when children will do their homework each night and give each a scheduled time for computer use if needed for homework. This will prevent any disputes from arising.

What if Children Have a Bad First Day?

No matter how prepared families are there may still be some children who are upset their first day of school. If a child comes home saying he hates school, try finding out what the reasons are for his being upset. Did a classmate tease him or is he nervous around the new teacher? Whatever the case may be, if it isn’t serious then try to calm the child and encourage him to give it a few more days. Most children adjust to change after a few days of routine and are fine. If the problem persists, parents should set up a meeting with the teacher to find out how to solve the problem together.

Transitioning back into school can be a difficult time for some children but if parents prepare their child for the new school year, the child is off to a good start to having a successful year.

The copyright of the article From Summer Vacation to Structured School in Educational Issues is owned by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Permission to republish From Summer Vacation to Structured School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

It's Back-to-School Time for Children of all Ages